Brooks Transcend 7, Men’s Running Shoes

Product Information

GuideRails! Brooks keeps making them better. Transcend 4’s chafed my lateral midfoot ever-so-slightly (along with the fact that I wore a half size smaller, and the upper was unforgiving). A slew of updates have been applied to the Transcend 3. The upper fit has transformed, and there are changes in the midsole design too.

Brooks might argue that is how it’s supposed to be (to ‘minimize stress on joints’, they say) but to us it felt like the under heel area is missing a chunk of foam. The Transcend 1 and 2’s heel was curved enough; the Transcend 3 is overdoing it. Another excellent, in-depth review, exploring all elements – you really know what you are talking about (except the ‘medial post is rubbish’ thing!). Medial posts have proven unhelpful; GuideRails are the brand’s latest innovation, to begin again at the beginning with the basic design of a shoe, and change what had become industry standard for “stability. Isaac Newton is the 17th century English scientists that brought to us the laws of motion, universal gravitation and coincidentally is the name of a competing running shoe company. Since the Transcend (still) does not offer an optional sizing width, a spacious upper might actually be a good thing. This is a reason for wide-footed runners to be happy about. On the flip side, Transcend loyalists who loved its ultra snug and supportive upper will find the T3 wanting in that aspect.The GTS or ‘Go To Support’ models in the Brooks range offer additional stability through the use of GuideRails technology. GuideRails is a holistic support system that allows your body to embrace its natural motion path while limiting excess motion. Singular in their pursuit since the turn of the millennium, Brooks has developed into a brand that’s known and loved for helping runners to ‘Run Happy’. A mantra that goes against the grain of competitive, faster, further – to celebrate the joy of running and champion diversity and inclusivity in the running community. I am a road purest, not so much to preference but because of convenience. Brooks Transcend 7was wonderful with grip when it came to road/sidewalk and gravel. I felt extra secure and even on wet roads, these babies gripped excellently. After my first run, I re-weighed the shoe, to make sure it really was as heavy as I’d initially found it (it is), since the ride is much lighter than ASICS Gel-Fortitude (which was .3 oz. lighter), New Balance 1260 v6, and adidas Supernova ST, the latter two of similar weight.

The Transcend 3 (on right) has an exaggerated heel edge angle. This is clearly noticeable during runs, compared to the subdued edge of the T2.(left)A few years ago, when the original Transcend made its debut, it was an idea and product ahead of its time. Brooks decided to stray from the tried and tested practice of slapping a firmer medial post on the midsole, and instead created a brand new concept which infused neutral cushioning with a supportive ride. What I don’t understand about the concept of guide rails is, that it supposedly controls the foot above an uncontrolled, moving midsole. Is this not like expecting a seat-belt to hold you firm in a car with extremely soft suspension? The Transcend 7 had a real nice mesh upper with a plush tongue and collar. However, during the summer months when temps are in the 80s -90s, my feet were on fire!

Brooks maintained support in this upper while stripping away the overlay stripes that made Transcend 4 so unbreak-in-able, for me, which were partially maintained into the 5. Launched in 2010, DNA is a cushioning technology that is also present in most of Brooks’ running shoes. The third factor isn’t easily apparent, but it significantly reduces the top-down pressure right around the last two rows of eyelets. The Transcend 3 has a firmer tongue flap than the T2 – the tongue-top loop moves towards the rearfoot by a couple of lacing rows. Medially, the GuideRails bolster the arch of the shoe to direct foot motion forward rather than inward.First walking around in Transcend 6 felt almost like flopping on those old waterbeds: Ooh, soft—but watch out for the wood frame! When running you will feel the weight which will limit the pace. On avg, I like to stay around the 8:00/mile mark. With these, I caught myself being comfortable at around 8:30/mile. I certainly didn't mind that though. When getting these, know that you will only use them for easy-paced effort. The upper fit of the T3 isn’t a deal-breaker; upper fit changes all the time, and the T3’s upper isn’t uncomfortable in any way, only different compared to previous models. What’s puzzling is the drastic change in the midsole and outsole design, which makes the Transcend 3 lose a lot of its ‘Transcend-ness’ as we know it. Transcend is Brooks’ attempt to build a shoe focused beyond the feet: to the knees, and 2019 bring us a new and improved model, now with a 10mm drop, up from 8mm in past models. A half size bigger still works for me, still hugs my heel securely, even though I had to go up, for the forefoot fit.